With Detroit reeling from soaring unemployment and a crippled auto industry there was concern whether the Red Wings would fill Joe Louis Arena for Game One of their best-of-seven Western Conference quarter-final.
But a capacity crowd packed the arena and the second seeded Red Wings, bidding to become the first team in 11 years to claim back-to-back Cups, treated them to a convincing win.
Detroit will host the Blue Jackets in Game Two on Saturday.
"We've been through this before," Red Wings coach Mike Babcock told reporters. "It's always that first 10 minutes at home, your legs are a little heavier."
After wobbling into the playoffs on three-game losing streak, the Red Wings flashed their pedigree, seizing control of the game with three goals in the second period then shutting down the Blue Jackets attack by restricting them to eight shots over the final two periods.
Detroit's veteran netminder Chris Osgood, who led the team to a Stanley Cup a year ago but had come under scrutiny for his inconsistent play this season, answered his critics with 20 saved in a rock-solid performance.
"I've played for 15 years, I have the most wins in Wings' playoff history for a reason, it's not because I'm a bad goalie," said Osgood. "I know how to win.
"I'm going to go get some rest and be even better on Saturday. It's one game and one game only, there's a long way to go in the series."
The first half of the game had been highlighted by a goaltending duel between Osgood and Blue Jackets rookie Steve Mason, who led the NHL with 10 shutouts this season and faced 34 shots in his playoff debut.
Detroit broke open the scoreless game midway through the second when Jiri Hudler converted a two-on-one.
The lead lasted only 52 seconds with R.J. Umberger recording the Blue Jackets first playoff goal when he was left unmarked on the Detroit goal crease and backhanded the puck past Osgood.
The Red Wings then responded with goals from Jonathan Ericsson and Niklas Kronwall, the two defensemen scoring 48 seconds apart on blasts from the point that glanced off Columbus defenders past a helpless Mason.
Johan Franzen scored early in the third period to complete the scoring.
"We can play better and will play better," said Columbus coach Ken Hitchcock. "We put two in our own net."
